Yosemite

Breathtaking views from the top of Half Dome. I hiked 18miles on 1.5hrs of sleep to get this and it was so worth it. When we got to the top of the Dome it was clear blue skies. Within 30 minutes the storm clouds rolled in and on our hike down to the valley floor thunder roared around us and the rain came. Such a magical once in a life time experience. I was thankful for the clouds for this shot but could have stayed on top of the dome much longer to take more pictures. BEAUTIFUL!

I also snapped some shots as I was having a panic attack. Not as pretty but it will remind me of what I accomplished.

Oregon Coast

My mom's best friend lives in Oregon, just outside of Portland. We went to visit at the end of July and took a day trip to the coast where I ate the tastiest crab melt ever. Between the fog and the food I snapped the few shots seen here.

Greece- Athens

I met a boy on a plane and followed him to Greece.... to hang out by myself and take pictures. Overall Athens was a bust. The iridescent blue water and ivory white hillside architecture was not a part of this adventure. I did not find traveling pants that brought me good luck or reunite with my 3 potential fathers in a musical montage of events. I did however; wander around town at all hours of the day and night hiking to the top of the tallest mountain to the stingy seaport of Peiraias. I ran a lap at the Panathenaic Stadium, drank orzo with random hooka smoking strangers in a dark alley and danced at a disqotech with a 50 something school teacher that called me “Los Angeles” and with whom I bumped into in various parts of the city over the course of the trip. I love my ability to find random friends in places where the language is so confusing that I can’t read it or eavesdrop. The highlight was the food… svlatka, a meaty pita treat with french fries and garlic yogurt sauce. The next highlight was my ability to blend, wandering around completely lost at 3am in my greekly fashioned “black and grey” attire ( a local favorite). I mastered the transportation system…. A lone travelers must… especially when alcohol is involved. I did not buy a single souvenir and I spent under 150Euros. Even in foreign countries my favorite thing to do is find a high up viewpoint and take in the scenery, it’s just an added bonus when your view is of acropolis…. Kinda made me feel like Zeus!

"and were going... to San Francisco"

I want to live here....out of all the places I have traveled so far.... my heart is still set on living in San Francisco.

I don't think it has officially hit me yet that I am back home. When strangers talk to me I still feel surprised that they are speaking English. I'm in shock at how nice people are in the Bay Area. They smile at you for no apparent reason. They come up and talk to you, compliment your dog, tell you their life story. The weather has been unreal since I've been home. It's averaged 70 (f*) and its mid January. Where am I? Since my return I have thoroughly enjoyed ice cubes, fresh bread, a dryer, my daily dose of hugs, eavesdropping, cold water with no salt in it and a few other random things. I finally had my first Jamba Juice and In N'Out Burger.. the only foods that I craved abroad.

The one thing that has set in is the reality check that fantasy land and play time are over. It is time for me to get a 'big person' job and to move out on my own, meet my husband, make babies, grow some grey hair... ( haha only kidding about the last group of items)... im going to stay young forever. So, if you have any ideas of what I should be when I "grow up" or know anyone in the marketing, advertising, entertainment business... send them my name and hook a sister up!



* pictures are of 'home': Mt.Diablo, Martinez Marina, Delta

Not ready to leave yet...

I just spent a week touring my parents around Prague, followed by a week showing my friend Allison this beautiful city. I have one final paper and test left and 9 days to spend before it is back to reality. Last night a group of people from my program went to set off fireworks up at Vysehrad. After living here for almost 4 months Vysehrad is my favorite. My computer cord is broken so I haven't been posting but I will update soon and post more pictures then.

Snow in Prague

I woke up early this morning so I could pick up my parents from the airport. I just looked out my window to discover that the world is covered in white. IT SNOWED!! I am so excited/wish I had appropriate footwear and could find my gloves. Winter wonderland pictures to come!